Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet by Elaine Gottschall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elaine Gottschall wrote this book because of her desire to help the many people who suffer from intestinal diseases. Her daughter was one of those people. The author eventually was led to a doctor who was able to help her daughter through diet, and she completely recovered after following the diet strictly for several years. Elaine Gottschall devoted her life to furthering her own education in this field, adding to the existing research, and spreading the information to as many victims of the disease as she could. Thousands of people have benefitted from her selfless service, despite the fact that the medical field still does not give any (or enough) recognition to the role that food has in all of these diseases.

Although the book was written years ago, it has been reprinted many times and has been translated into several languages. The author died in 2005, but her contribution continues to help people. Those who are interested in addtional support can find several websites referenced in the book which are quite active with support groups, recipes, resources and information, such as www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info.

I've been following the recommended diet for a little over and month, and I was able to see improvement almost immediately. I love a comment that the author made (quoted in a different book) about the reality of either living with the disease, or making the commitment to follow the diet plan -- she admitted that you will spend a lot of time in the kitchen, but isn't that better than spending all your time in the bathroom?! I would have to agree. She also says that unless you are willing to follow the diet with "fanatical adherence" you might as well not bother. It's really an all or nothing undertaking. For the intestinal tract to heal it needs to be totally free from the foods that cause the problems to be perpetuated (sugar, starch, grains, certain dairy products, etc.). Eventually, once there is complete healing (after 1-2 years, or more) many people can reintroduce grains and other foods into their diet. I'm hoping that includes me!

I heartily recommend the book, and wish anyone well who is working towards a healthier and happier existence!

View all my reviews